|
|
|
Last Updated: Dec 21st, 2004 - 22:04:52 |
So how do you get the maximum value from discussion forums? Discussion forums can serve two important purposes in your dog business: a) research and b) marketing. Here are some tips and suggestions about both applications.
Our research shows that other dog owners are the most valued and used source of information on dogs. Therefore, the Dog Discussion Forums are a great place to get answers and information. The technology allows you to connect with hundreds of dog owners all around the world easily, and at your own convenience. To get the best information we suggest:
1. Look before you ask. Do a search of the postings to see whether your question(s) has already been answered. This can be done by browsing the topics in the relevant forums, or by using Search.
2. Post your question in the right forum. This will ensure that a moderator or someone familiar with the topic will see it. If a related question has already been asked, but does not completely give you the information you want, post a clarification question under that topic. This helps keep similar topics together and makes it easier for other people to get the information they need.
3. Be specific and reasonable. It is very difficult to answer a question such as, "How do I set up a dog boarding business?" Also, it is not reasonable to expect a moderator or another dog business manager to take all that time to tell you everything you need to know. However, if you ask a very specific question, you are likely to get one or more good answers.
4. Be critical. In the dog business, as in most others, there may not be one correct answer. People are expressing their opinions, and relating their own experiences. This does not mean it will work for you. Discussion Forums should not be considered a replacement for situations where professional advice – legal, financial or veterinary – is required. We are not liable for the results of any advice given in the Discussion Forums.
5. Provide contact information. I strongly recommend you provide your real name and an e-mail (or other contact information). Some people may not be comfortable in posting an answer but would be more than happy to send you a private e-mail or phone you with some great advice or suggestions.
6. Be patient and thankful. You may not get an answer to your question within a day or so. It may be that no one visiting the forums has an answer. Remember that there are other Internet sources, universities, or government resources that you may have to use. If someone does provide you with useful or valuable advice, be sure to send them a thank-you e-mail.
7. Contribute and share. Do not wait for someone to ask a question to share your knowledge and expertise. Remember that our concept of the Discussion Forums is one of a knowledge database. Therefore, we all must contribute to "populating" the database. So if you have found a way to keep bird droppings out of your dog's bowel, post your solution! I plan to use the Discussion Forums as an information repository for news, announcements, research findings and so on. We all benefit if you contribute and share as well.
Marketing through forums
The second important (but often less recognized) use of Discussion Forums is marketing. Commercial on-line services such as AOL prohibit direct advertising in forums other than in designated areas, or sending unsolicited electronic-mail messages that contain any advertising or solicitation for goods or services to discussion group members.
This also holds for the forums at dog-forums.com. Other than the Dog Products and Services forum, where "infomercials" are permitted, we strongly discourage blatant advertising in the other Discussion Forums. However, there are ways you can do some effective marketing on forums if you follow these suggestions:
1. Do respect the rules against solicitation, but learn how you can legitimately market on-line within these limits. When you respond to forum messages in your area of expertise or ask questions of your own, be sure to mention your name and business in the text of the message, or at the end. If you're asked for more information about your business, including prices, it's legitimate to provide either in a public forum message or private mail – but only if you are asked first.
2. Do offer constructive and substantive information in forum messages, and you'll soon be known as the forum's expert on that topic. Other forum members are likely to refer inquiries and questions to you.
3. Do develop a friendly and outgoing forum personality. Be polite and pleasant.
4. Do remember there are many people in forums who are "lurking" – just reading messages but not participating. You will receive private e-mails from some of these folks asking for information on your business.
5. Do know that the marketing experts say people need to hear about a name or business seven times before they feel comfortable taking action. Developing a strong forum presence is a good way to make the seventh time arrive sooner.
6. Do use your real name and provide contact information. The culture of Discussion Forums and chat rooms has been to use fictitious names or "handles." However, here you are networking and trying to establish an awareness and credibility of your dog business. Using your real name, your business name and providing contact information (e-mail, phone and website) on every post is a good way to do this.
7. Answer your e-mail and customer inquiries. If people are asking for more information about your products and services, send it to them; otherwise you and your business will lose credibility.
The successful businesses use a wide range of tools to manage and market their ventures. Discussion Forums are one of these powerful tools. Are you using them to get the maximum benefits for your business?
© Copyright 2004 by
Steppingstones.ca
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
